Compatibility

Stories

My Problem

Large fissure on from the upper left corner to the lower left corner, and broken glass.

My Fix

iOpener kit gives you what you need to open up a ipad for presumably most repairs.

The demonstration video works well because the glass itself is intact. If like mine it is in poor condition be prepared to spend a long time scraping off shards.

It's not that the glass is easy to shatter, it's the fact the glue is so strong if you don't loosen it up enough it's only going to get worse.

I only got cut once!

My Advice

During the prying off stages i managed to severe both the wifi antenna as well as the right GPS module. The guide here states to be careful around the wifi antenna. It doesn't communicate why though...

The cable conecting both the wifi and the right GPS are glued onto the front panel. In these two areas you want to approach from the edge of the iPad and push inwards pressing up against the inside of the glass. Sliding just outright cuts the cables.

My Problem

Microphone wasn't working at all. Apple wanted me to buy a new iPad (which is ridiculous).

My Fix

At "Step 29" I encountered a problem which I was not prepared for. The tiny plastic retaining clip that holds the little ribbon cable to the main circuit board went "PINGGGG!" and popped right off. Due its size and peculiarities, it took me more than an hour to put it back on.

Other than that, things went very very smoothly. It felt like I was defusing a bomb. Removing the glued-together outer layer was a frightful experience, although it was made MUCH easier thanks to the iOpener.

When I restarted my iPad, the front-facing camera was distorted/malfunctioning, but I just powered the iPad down and re-started it and everything was fine.

Apple wanted me to shell out $250 for another iPad, but I got the job done for about $50 (including postage!)using parts from iFixit.

My Advice

IF YOUR RIBBON CABLE CLIP POPPED OFF, THEN READ THIS!

Be careful - oh so very very careful - opening the little retaining clip that holds down the ribbon cable to the main circuit board. If you get it back on, you'll need a magnifying glass, tweezers, nerves of steel, and the patience of a Titan to get it back into place again.

Hint: When re-attaching the retaining clip (if it popped off like it did in my unfortunate case), you must attach it in the "open" position (popped up), and with the ribbon cable NOT plugged into the little retaining socket (be sure you unplugged the ribbon cable).

Then you'll notice that there are *two* little rows of gold pins: An upper row and a lower row. You'll also notice that the little clip has a bunch of tiny holes on it. Those holes must be aligned *carefully* with the upper row of pins (the row furthest from the aluminum body of the iPad). This will not be easy, so d-e-l-i-c-a-t-e-l-y kepp on trying. You may have to do this 20 or 50 times before everything lines up right, unless you have a magnifying glass and the hands of a surgeon.

Once those holes are aligned, try to push the retaining clip onto that upper row of pins. If you are lucky, it will verry gently "snap" with a delicate action back onto the place whence it came.

If it happened the way it happened to me: May god have mercy on your soul. Be patient! It came off, so surely it can go back on. Man-handling this operation may result in bending the pins or causing other problems. If you feel frustrated, take a break for 5 min and psych yourself up to be patient and gentle, then return to work.

Furthermore, you should note that although it is tiny, there is definately a "top" "bottom" "left" and "right" side to this tiny little plastic part. There is another ribbon cable at the bottom right of the inside of your iPad which is identical to this one. That cable is still attached, so don't disturb it. Instead: Look at that one CAREFULLY under magnification, and you will see a little "groove" will be visible atop the securing plastic piece once it is in the "closed/down" position. Keep that in mind and think it through, and you'll be able to see which way to orient the little piece while you struggle to align and re-attach it.

It came off - and unless you break it or bend the pins or something, it WILL go back on. Take heart! I feel your pain!

My Problem

Pushing the home button had no results unless it was pushed very hard

My Fix

The new parts ordered were installed without concern. After cleaning off the glue strips, I temporarily installed the digitizer screen and the home button still did not function as expected. Made some measurements and found that the two pins that are on the charge assy were not contacting the home button control board. The two angled screws from the charge harness were removed. A piece of black tape was used under the charge harness to lift it slightly higher. Parts were reinstalled and it then functioned as expected.

My Advice

Make sure to totally clean off all old glue strips. Also clean off old glue residue the best you can. This good prep will insure good bonding of the digitizer screen to the ipad housing. Also make sure all smudges are cleaned off the LCD screen and inner digitizer screen before final installation. Good luck.. This procedure is very easy if you just take your time.

My Advice

My Problem

Battery Not Holding Charge

My Fix

Tools worked past my expectations. Took my time,FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS CLOSELY, and the repair went VERY well.

My Advice

IN ALL HONESTY, your shipping charge of 31.00 stinks. I've shipped packages, same size and weight for ALOT LESS. That REALLY TARNISHED an otherwise STELLAR experience, and if its UPS your blaming....use someone else. I would have even waited longer to get the package rather than paying 200 dollars for tools and getting whacked for 31.00 shipping. That ruins the chance for "NEXT TIME"

My Advice

My Problem

The iPad suffered a minor drop. A corner was very slightly dented. But it caused the display to show everything in an odd color palette that was heavy on reds. I thought perhaps a ribbon cable was loose.

My Fix

The iOpener and kit tools were very helpful in disassembling the iPad. I had to heat some edges twice to get the glue soft enough to let go, but it just requires some patience. I saw no visual clues of damage on the interior of the device, and the cables connecting the digitizer and LCD panel were seated properly. I reassembled the iPad and it looks good as new. But when I fire it up, the display looks like a moving ocean of thin lines in a plaid pattern. Now it's completely unusable. I think the LCD panel is toast, and I have a new one on order. I'll try repairing it again.

My Advice

Patience is a virtue when opening the device. Watch out for the WiFi antenna along the bottom edge. It could be easily damaged when removing the digitizer glass. Use a magnifying glass - those screws and cable connectors are really small. If you're at all handy, the device is out of warranty, and you have some instructions like what's available through IFIXIT, then don't be afraid to attempt this sort of repair.

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It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear New Yorkers,

Right now, New York has a chance to pass the first Fair Repair bill in
the nation. We have a chance to guarantee our right to repair electronics—like
smartphones, computers, and even farm equipment. We have a chance to help
the environment and stand up for local repair jobs—the corner mom-and-pop
repair shops that keep getting squeezed out by manufacturers.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Massachusetts,

The people of Massachusetts have always stood up for their
right to repair. In 2012, voters passed a law that ensured
residents' right to repair their car wherever they wanted.
Now, it's time to do the same for electronics.

With the Digital Right to Repair Bill, H.3383, we have a chance
to guarantee our right to repair electronics — like smartphones,
computers, and even farm equipment. We have a chance to help
the environment and stand up for local repair jobs—the corner
mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed out by
manufacturers.

The Digital Right to Repair Bill requires manufacturers to
provide owners and independent repair businesses with fair
access to service information, security updates, and
replacement parts.

If you agree with us, find out who represents you in the
Massachusetts legislature. Tell them you support the
bipartisan Digital Right to Repair Bill. Tell them that you
believe repair should be fair, affordable, and accessible.
Stand up for the right to repair in Massachusetts.